Join Our Team

Graduate Students
Please email Dr. Maslo the summer before you will apply to discuss research projects. Consider applying to some of the fellowships available for graduate students:NSF GRFP, NDSEG, and EPA STAR.

Undergraduates
We have several openings for undergraduate researchers:

1) Season Nest Box Monitor – 2017
The Maslo Lab in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources is looking for an undergraduate student to monitor 6 nest boxes for target native bird species at a project site in Burlington, NJ during the upcoming breeding season, April 15 – August 31, 2017 (dates approximate). Responsibilities include visiting the site at 1-week intervals to survey boxes for activity and recording observations. Prior to occupancy by birds, the candidate will be responsible for preparing nest boxes for the nesting season by removing old nesting material and any wasp, ant, or rodent nests. The candidate will monitor nest boxes throughout the nesting and chick-rearing season, documenting (text and photographs) all activity observed. The candidate will assist in the preparation of a letter report (including monitoring logs and photographs) detailing his/her findings, including species occupying nest boxes, number of eggs hatched, and number of chicks fledged.
The candidate will earn 3 credits under the Practical Experiences in Ecology course under Dr. Maslo, and will gain valuable field experience. A student who lives within close proximity to the site is desired.

2) Red Knot Strike Team Field Technicians
The Maslo Lab in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources at Rutgers University are seeking 2-4 individuals to join a project this May 2017 examining the foraging behavior of shorebirds (including the U.S. federally threatened red knot) on the Delaware Bayshore during the spring migration stopover. Field technicians will census birds and conduct standardized behavioral observations of shorebirds foraging in close proximity to commercial oyster aquaculture operations, and will log data collected.
Field work will occur from approximately May 3 – June 4. Candidates will be expected to work for approximately 8-10 hours a day, 7 days a week during this short time interval, and will receive hourly compensation ($13/hr) and housing.Qualifications:

Interested candidates should send a resume and statement of interest to Dr. Brooke Maslo by March 1st at brooke.maslo@rutgers.edu.

3) Bat Research Assistants
The Maslo Lab is seeking 4 research assistants to participate in a project examining the ability of bats to act as agents of insect pest surveillance. The project objective is to determine the extent to which bats can detect and consume agricultural insect pests earlier than standard monitoring practices, and it will compare the economic costs associated with each methodology. Research assistants will collect bat guano from known roost sites throughout New Jersey, conduct colony counts of known roosts, and maintain insect traps. The assistants may also assist in other project-specific data collection, as well as conservation outreach activities.
Sample collection will occur from early April through late September 2016 and would require approximately 1 full day of work (8-9 hrs) every week. Candidates can earn up to 4 experience-based course credits. We will provide a Rutgers vehicle, when appropriate, and technicians will be reimbursed for mileage incurred on personal vehiclesQualifications:

valid driver’s license

ability to work independently and collect data following a standardized protocol

ability to dedicate 1 full day every week

Interested candidates should send a statement of interest and a resume to Dr. Brooke Maslo as soon as possible, but no later than March 15th, at brooke.maslo@rutgers.edu.

4) Bat Field Crew Members
The Maslo Lab is seeking field crew members to participate in a northern long-eared bat research project this summer. The project is sponsored by the NJ Endangered and Nongame Species Program, and the objective is to understand the characteristics of the recently federally listed northern long-eared bat roost sites to inform forestry best management practices. Crew members will conduct mist-netting and subsequent radio telemetry of target individuals in and around state-owned properties throughout New Jersey. The team may also assist in both project-specific data collection, as well as conservation outreach activities.
Field work will occur from late May through early July, and technicians must attend a 1-day on-campus training session. Candidates can earn up to 3 experience-based course credits (estimated 135 hrs of time). Technicians will be reimbursed for mileage incurred on personal vehicles.Qualifications:

flexible day and night schedule between mid-May and early July

mist-netting/telemetry experience is helpful, but not required

rabies pre-exposure vaccinations desired, not required

willingness to work long hours in adverse conditions

ability to work both independently and as a team

certified to drive a Rutgers vehicle, if possible

Interested candidates should send a statement of interest and a resume to Dr. Brooke Maslo by April 30 at brooke.maslo@rutgers.edu.

5) Bat Field Crew Members
The Maslo Lab is seeking field crew members to participate in an Eastern Small-footed Bat research project this summer. The project is sponsored by the NJ Endangered and Nongame Species Program, and the objective is to document the presence and roosting preferences of Eastern Small-footed Bats in northern New Jersey. Crew members will conduct visual transect surveys and passive acoustic monitoring in suitable open, rocky habitats. The team may also assist in both project-specific data collection, as well as conservation outreach activities. Field work will occur from late May through mid-August, primarily during daytime hours. Technicians must attend a 1-day on-campus training session. Candidates can earn up to 3 experience-based course credits (estimated 135 hrs of time). Technicians will be reimbursed for mileage incurred on personal vehicles.Qualifications:

daytime availability between mid-May and mid-August

willingness and physical ability to work on steep, off-trail, uneven terrain where venomous snakes may be encountered

acoustic monitoring experience is helpful, but not required

rabies pre-exposure vaccinations desired, not required

ability to work both independently and as a team

certified to drive a Rutgers vehicle, if possible

Interested candidates should send a statement of interest and a resume to Dr. Brooke Maslo by April 30 at brooke.maslo@rutgers.edu.

6) Wildlife Technician Internship
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services Program is pleased to announce the availability of a non-paid spring internship position(s) available from mid-March through the end of May 2017 (dates are negotiable). The intern would work a varied schedule, between 5 and 25 hours per week, assisting wildlife biologists and technicians in the daily resolution of human-wildlife conflicts throughout the state of New Jersey. Applicants should demonstrate the ability to work in a diversity of settings (rural, urban, wetlands, forests, farms, neighborhoods) and maintain focus in an outdoor work environment. Exposure to inclement weather conditions such as heavy precipitation, high winds, prolonged exposure to intense sunlight, heat, cold, and/or high humidity is common and candidates should be able to tolerate these conditions. Applicants should be able to communicate with cooperators, landowners and the public in a professional manner.The student can earn up to 3 practical experience credits through Dr. Brooke Maslo.

The mission of Wildlife Services is to provide Federal leadership and expertise in resolving wildlife conflicts to allow people and wildlife to coexist. WS conducts program delivery, research, and other activities through its Regional and State Offices, the National Wildlife Research Center and its Field Stations, as well as through its National Programs. The Program’s efforts help people resolve wildlife damage to a wide variety of resources and to reduce threats to human health and safety.Duties and Responsibilities:
The work is primarily concerned with helping solve problems created when wildlife cause damage to agricultural interests, property, and natural resources or are a threat to human health and safety. The intern would work with wildlife biologists and technicians to gain hands-on experience and knowledge in:

Assessing, evaluating, and making management recommendations for a wide variety of wildlife species and damage management situations.

Compiling data from management operations for use in reports or presentations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The candidate must be a student currently enrolled in a wildlife, natural resource management, biological science, agriculture or related program in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.

The candidate must be capable of operating government-owned motor vehicles, off-road conveyances, kayaks, and other equipment in a safe and prudent manner to conduct field operations.

A valid driver’s license is required.

The selected applicant will be required to pass a defensive driving course prior to start date of field work.

The candidate must be willing to sign a Volunteer Services Agreement.

To apply, send a resume, cover letter outlining how the Wildlife Services’ mission fits within your long-term career and education interests, and availability information. Applications should be received by February 24, 2017 and be sent to:
Kimberly Clapper
District Supervisor – New Jersey Program
140C Locust Grove Road, Pittstown, NJ 08867kimberly.s.clapper@aphis.usda.gov(preferred)

Successful applicant(s) will be notified by March 6, 2017.
For further information contact Kimberly Clapper at (908) 735-5654 x17 or at the email address listed above.

6)Research Assistants
The Maslo Lab in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources at Rutgers University is seeking 3 research assistants to participate in a project examining the effectiveness of bat houses located throughout New Jersey. The project aims to determine the occupancy rate of bat houses placed on properties where bat evictions have and have not occurred, and identify factors that influence the occupancy rate.
Research assistants will manage a database containing bat house locations throughout New Jersey, deliver a questionnaire to homeowners, survey bat houses (look for guano, use infra-red cameras, etc), and conduct exit counts at dusk. Assistants will also engage in outreach activities, including bat house installations and bat inspections. Field work will occur late May – July. Assistants will receive course credit or monetary compensation.

Qualifications

valid driver’s license

ability to work independently and collect data following a standardized protocol

strong organization and communication skills

Ability to dedicate 2-3 days/week (hours and days will need to be flexible, and may be weather dependent)